Janine completes first-ever half marathon in memory of old school friend

Lincolnshire Regional College Administrator, Janine Baker, recently completed her first-ever half marathon, raising £2610, which has now been donated to Myeloma UK.

Janine originally intended to raise money for her old school friend, Caroline Owusu, to help with her treatment after she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in early 2013. Janine explained:

“Caroline was only 42 then and, following the NHS cuts in the drug that she needs for her treatment, she was having to fund this herself. My original plan was a target of £1500, which would pay for a month’s treatment for her.

“As you can imagine fighting a disease like Myeloma is hard enough without the worry of having to find the money to do this. Fundraising was going quite well, then I woke one Sunday morning to see that I had received an anonymous donation for the full £1500!”

Multiple Myeloma is a Cancer of the immune cells residing in the bone marrow. This caused Caroline to suffer constant fractures of her spine and she was forced to use a wheelchair and back-brace. Janine continued:

“Even with all the pain she experienced she never failed to smile or help others. Unfortunately one week before I was due to race she lost her very long, brave fight against Myeloma. Caroline had fought so hard, she wanted to foster children as she had also been fostered as a child.

“I decided that I would then give the funds that were raised to her family to help with her funeral costs, and if any funds are left they are to be donated to Myeloma UK.

“I raced the half-marathon the day before Caroline’s funeral, the day that would have been her 46th birthday, needless to say it was a very emotional time for me. I ran the route in 2hours and 23 minutes, under 2 hours 30 which I had been planning. I would like to thank everyone who helped support us over the last couple of months you have been great, and collectively we have raised a whopping £2610.”

Everyone at Lincolnshire Regional College wishes to offer their congratulations to Janine who is now planning her next race, the Skegness 10k.